The Green Bay Packers have announced a meaningful plan for their Aug. 28 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals, using the event to recognize people making a difference beyond the football field. The team’s annual Give Back Game will honor Wisconsin mental health advocates and highlight their work supporting individuals and communities across the state.
The preseason matchup at Lambeau Field will provide the organization with an opportunity to spotlight advocates dedicated to improving mental health awareness, access and support. By incorporating the recognition into a Packers game, the franchise can bring additional attention to an issue affecting people from every background while celebrating those working directly to create positive change.
Green Bay Packers, Ed Policy, Network Health
Green Bay Packers president and CEO Ed Policy on the field during Green Bay Packers Family Night on Aug. 2, 2025, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.
The initiative continues the organization’s tradition of using its platform to support important causes throughout Wisconsin. Professional sports franchises have a unique ability to reach enormous audiences, and the event will connect the excitement surrounding football with a broader community message. The recognition also gives advocates a prominent stage to showcase the importance of mental health resources and conversations.
Green Bay’s Give Back Game has become an opportunity to celebrate individuals and organizations whose contributions extend throughout the state. This year’s focus places mental health advocates at the center of that recognition, acknowledging people whose efforts often take place away from public attention. Their work can include increasing awareness, connecting people with resources and helping reduce barriers that prevent individuals from seeking support.
Green Bay Packers to Recognize Mental Health Advocates for NFL Preseason Game Against Arizona Cardinals
Green Bay Packers, Ed Policy, NFL
Ed Policy, Green Bay Packers Chief Operating Officer talks about plans for TitletownTech, a 46,000-square-foot building with an innovation center and space for commercial businesses, across from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Sarah Kloepping/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
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The Jordan Love led-team is set to pay homage to Wisconsin mental health advocates during an upcoming preseason game against the Cardinals. This can be seen in an article shared by the franchise’s official website.
The Green Bay Packers announced today they will recognize Wisconsin mental health advocates with NAMI Wisconsin during the Packers Give Back Game on Friday, Aug. 28.
The preseason matchup between Green Bay and Arizona will mark the sixth annual Packers Give Back Game, which supports a benefiting nonprofit from Wisconsin by highlighting their work and amplifying their message before and during the game.
In collaboration with NAMI Wisconsin (National Alliance on Mental Illness), NAMI has invited individuals from its 24 local affiliates across the state, including staff, board members, volunteers and program participants, as well as NAMI On Campus student leaders, Raise Your Voice club advisors, state trainers, Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) coordinators, Youth Advisory Council members and other dedicated members of the NAMI Wisconsin community to take part in this special event. Prior to kickoff, several honorees from NAMI will take the field to be recognized.
The Aug. 28 matchup will also give fans an early look at the Packers before the regular season while adding greater significance to the final stages of the preseason. Although roster competitions and player evaluations will remain important parts of the game, the community initiative ensures the night will represent something larger than the final score. Lambeau Field will serve as a platform for football and public service.
For the Packers, the plan represents another example of the franchise maintaining strong connections with the communities that have supported it for generations. By recognizing Wisconsin’s mental health advocates during the preseason meeting with Arizona, Green Bay will use one of its biggest stages to celebrate meaningful work and bring greater visibility to an issue that reaches far beyond football.